Behind every beautiful bridal face and every celebrity shoot lies the success story of a woman. That story is called Meraki – a makeup brand crafted with Arathi’s heart and soul.
Today, Arathi’s skilled touch is renowned not just across Kerala but also in other states. From bridal makeovers to celebrity freelancing, Arathi’s journey is a testament to relentless effort, dedication, and unshakable belief.
The First Pulse of Passion
Even after completing her CMA and working at a US-based company, Arathi’s heart held only one true desire – the world of makeup. Though she had dreamed of it since childhood, pursuing makeup professionally seemed like an unattainable goal without family approval. Their take was simple: “Pursue a professional course first, then follow your passion.”
When Life Took a Turn
When Arathi finally decided to turn her passion into a profession, there was no clear path ahead. Still, she followed her heart. Just when things were getting on track, came marriage. The first capital investment for Meraki was ₹7,000, a gift from her husband Sreenath before the wedding – used to buy her first makeup kit. With the help of friends, she did her first photoshoots and began learning the craft.
Her first model was her friend Anupama, followed by her cousin sister’s bridal makeover for five kids. Arathi didn’t expect payment, but she received ₹2,000 – a moment she still cherishes as a blessing. After marriage, her husband’s unwavering support and encouragement breathed life into her passion. He said, “Don’t give up on your dream for just an office job,” and even left his job in Dubai to support her.
Rising Above Setbacks
There were times of criticism and discouragement – complaints about saree draping, insulting remarks. Once, when she quoted ₹15,000 for a makeover, a relative insulted her. But she grew from that experience. She learned new skills through YouTube and kept improving.
She still gets emotional recalling the time she had to work for ₹5,000 in heavy rain, bringing her mother along, carrying the makeup kit. There was a time when she messaged influencers and got no replies. But later, her first paid collaboration with Epic Couple marked a turning point in her journey.
Faith Never Faded
Arathi’s success is not just about passion or her husband’s push – at every step, she was guided by her deep faith in God. “God never ignored my hard work. This is the reward for that,” she says. Even today, Arathi picks up her makeup brush each day with prayer and gratitude.
Meraki – A Brand Today
Today, Meraki has grown into a brand where influencers themselves approach Arathi for collaborations. From doing makeup for ₹5,000, she now charges ₹25,000–₹30,000 for bridal makeovers. Having to tell clients that her dates are unavailable is something Arathi sees as a blessing.
Her husband now handles photography, editing, and social media. Even her dream of flying came true when she got a work opportunity in Bangalore under the Meraki brand. It is her belief – “No matter what comes my way, God will never let me down” – that has propelled her forward.
Arathi’s journey is the very soul and strength of Meraki.
